Alex Gordon hopes to rejoin Royals on Friday after All-Star break

His right arm was bare, no longer adorned by the brace he sported during the weekend at Kauffman Stadium. Because of a wrist sprain, Alex Gordon did not play during the final five games of the first half and he will not play on Tuesday night in what could have been his second appearance in the All-Star Game.

But Gordon reported progress with his condition at Monday’s media session with the American League’s All-Star representatives. He expects to retake the field on a Friday when the Royals start the second half in Boston.

“It feels good,” Gordon said. “Some good rest, and hopefully back at it.”

Gordon must test the joint on Thursday afternoon first. He plans to do so at Kauffman Stadium.

Playing without Gordon, the Royals dropped three of four to Detroit heading into the break. The return of Gordon would stabilize both the lineup and the defensive outfield alignment.

Yost vouched for Davis

It was an unsuccessful pitch, but manager Ned Yost offered a compelling case for Wade Davis’ inclusion in this game when he spoke with Boston manager John Farrell before the rosters were finalized.

Farrell, who will manage the American League squad on Tuesday, indicated Yost stumped hard for Davis. Yost reminded Farrell that Davis has not given up an extra-base hit in his 37 appearances this year.

Farrell was not persuaded. He gave one of the final spots to Seattle closer Fernando Rodney, who leads the American League in saves.

“I appreciate every manager supporting their own player,” Farrell said. “There’s a number of guys that could be on this roster. I wish we could take all of them. They’re all deserving.”

Holland not sure on role

With Boston closer Koji Uehara on the roster, Farrell’s choice for the ninth inning looks set. Royals closer Greg Holland had yet to talk with Farrell about when he might pitch.

“I have not seen him,” Holland said. “Actually, I take that back. I saw him. I did not speak with him.”